[Tulips at Old South Church, Boston; 5/5/13]
The astro blogs are full of exhortations to slow down and enjoy the pleasures of the Taurus season (April 20 - May 20). Taurus is ruled by Venus, goddess of beauty and pleasure. Taurus is also associated with money and possessions. While beauty is free and abundant around me right now, money is not so much. It's been a slow start to the year, though the past month was disturbingly full of tight deadlines (that was fiery Aries season, everything fast and immediate). I've been able to invoice for a couple of projects, but the payment cycle is slow. That's the other thing about Taurus, the Bull - slow and steady, stubborn and persistent, and mean when pushed - as is Venus, for that matter. Everything in its time.
I have had some bites of new opportunities, including a potential part-time position working for a former colleague who reached out to me last week. It would be good to have some steady income and the chance to get out of the house regularly and work with people again, along with the flexibility to take on interesting freelance work. Maybe the best of both worlds. We'll see.
[At Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary, Belmont MA; 5/6/13]
[New leaves rising from the dead ones, at Habitat]
Unfortunately, the result of those tight deadlines and other stressful craziness last month has been painful -- as I said, mean when pushed. My neck and shoulder pain, which I've been getting physical therapy for, went through the roof by this weekend. Diligent work on it this week with ice, heat, topical and oral pain meds, sleep, rest, and it's finally getting somewhat under control. I could really use a new/better ergonomic office chair but I can't really afford it right now.
Meanwhile, I'm taking advantage of another break in the work. I went for a lovely walk in the woods at Habitat on Monday, which I haven't been to since January. Spring comes a bit later to the woods, but it has arrived, as evidenced by blossoming mountain laurel and dogwood, fresh green ears of new leaves and unfurling fern fronds, columbine and trillium.
[Trillium at Habitat Sanctuary, Belmont; 5/6/13]
More photos from Habitat in May here.
